Chapter 91: He Definitely Doesn't Like This TitleNight fell again; this was the law of nature.The sea seemed exceptionally calm tonight.A grand banquet was being held on the island where Cocoyasi Village was located, and it didn't end until dawn.People had endured humiliation and hardship, all for the joy of this day... at the banquet.Satoru and Zoro were drinking. Satoru didn't like smoking, but he enjoyed drinking.Usopp stood at the highest point, doing what he did best.Sanji sat with Satoru and Zoro. He drank little alcohol but had already finished a pack of cigarettes, which reminded Satoru of his childhood memories with Beckman.Luffy suddenly came running over with a pile of meat, a piece still in his mouth, and asked Sanji:"Sanji, what was on the last cantaloupe I ate?""Oh, that was Prosciutto and Cantaloupe. As the name suggests, it had prosciutto on it."Satoru had to admit, he tried this seemingly strange dish, but it was surprisingly delicious.Luffy, a kitchen idiot, obviously couldn't understand that "Prosciutto and Cantaloupe" were two different things. He thought it was one food called Prosciutto and Cantaloupe.He turned to look for it. Satoru shook his head. What a foolish boy.After clinking glasses with Zoro and downing his drink, he chased after Luffy.Zoro glanced at his retreating figure, thinking, since Satoru just chugged his, should I do the same? But that guy only had less than half a glass, while I have a full one... Satoru followed Luffy, searching for "Prosciutto and Cantaloupe," using it as an excuse to digest. After all, a hundred steps after a meal, and you'll live to ninety-nine.As they walked, the two arrived at a cliff.Genzo was telling Nami and Nojiko's adoptive mother, Bellemere, the good news that Arlong had been defeated."Prosciutto and Cantaloupe!"Luffy's loud shout startled Genzo, who turned to see Luffy with meat stuffed in his mouth and Satoruholding a wine bottle."A graveyard? Did someone die?"Luffy bit the meat, his voice a bit slurred.But it was still understandable. Genzo turned back and nodded, "Yes, someone died, a long time ago.""Oh, how pitiful. Please accept my condolences, hmm? My condolences..."Satoru gave Luffy a light chop to the head. "It's 'accept my condolences.'""Right, that's the one."Genzo didn't care about that. "Nami joined your crew as a pirate; the journey will be perilous...""If you dare to make her cry, I will find a way to kill you.""Do you understand?!"Genzo suddenly shouted. Luffy swallowed the meat in his mouth. "...I understand."Meanwhile, Satoru walked up and placed a bouquet of flowers in front of Bellemere's tombstone."Miss Nami is a very strong person.""I picked these on the way. I hope Auntie likes them."Genzo also reached up, took the pinwheel from his hat, and stuck it in front of the tombstone."Haha.""Bellemere preferred the fruits and branches from orange trees over flowers."...Farewells always come with the passage of time.In the afternoon, the Straw Hat Pirates planned to set sail again; their adventure was far from over.After Nami swiped the residents' wallets and jumped onto the Merry, the Straw Hat Pirates set sail once more.Although the people on shore cursed Nami as a thief and demanded their money back, there was no anger in their tone, only reluctance to part.Genzo once again reminded Luffy not to forget his words. Luffy responded with a thumbs-up, indicating he wouldn't forget.With Nami's farewell, the Merry gradually sailed away.Oranges and fresh flowers lay before the tombstone on the cliff, and the pinwheel stuck in the ground spun continuously, as if Bellemere was also bidding Nami farewell... Waves crashed against the Merry, seagulls circled in the sky, and occasionally, fish could be seen leaping out of the sea, as if trying to jump over the Dragon Gate.Nami bought a newspaper from a News Coo, complaining that the price had gone up again.A newspaper cost 50 Berries.Usopp was tinkering with his "Chili Star" behind her, a bullet made of chili water."It's just a newspaper.""It's precisely because it's a newspaper that I have to haggle. I need it every day, and these small savings add up.""I don't want to be a poor pirate."Currently, the Straw Hat Pirates' funds consisted only of the 20 million Berries Satoru exchanged from Arlong and the few thousand scattered Berriesfrom the residents' wallets Nami had just stolen.As for the 103 million Berries, Nami left it all in the village."Alright, alright, stop arguing. I'm making Chili Stars. If an enemy gets hit by this, their eyes will soon..."Before Usopp could finish, he tried the power of the Chili Star himself. It was indeed potent; he writhed on the ground in pain.Luffy went to pick oranges but was kicked over by Sanji, coincidentally colliding with Usopp.Sanji sought praise from Nami, while Zoro, lying on the second-floor deck, grumbled, "That kid is completely being used."Meanwhile, Satoru lay in the crow's nest, eye mask and earplugs on, completely detached from the world.Nami flipped through the newspaper, which reported on another rebellion in some country.Then, as she turned the page, two bounty posters flew out.Gasps immediately erupted on the ship."Eh!!!!!!"...In Foosha Village, East Blue, inside Makino's pub."Luffy and Satoru, those two kids have bounties!""Hahaha, I knew they'd make it from the start."Everyone was celebrating for Luffy and Satoru.The old mayor suddenly appeared."What's there to be happy about, having two wanted pirates from our town, huh?!""Hehe, Mayor, look how happy Luffy is smiling.""Satoru looks much more serious."Makino said, holding two bounty posters in front of the old mayor.Luffy's bounty poster still showed his photo with his hand covering the lens, grinning widely.Satoru's, however, was a profile shot, his arms crossed, looking indifferently at the camera with a sidelong glance, his long ponytail hair flowing in the wind behind him."This is the children's dream, are you worried..."Makino asked.The old mayor picked up his wine glass, brought it to his lips, but didn't drink. "Is it a 'dream,' or 'destiny'...?"...On a certain island.Hawkeye, one of the Shichibukai, visited the Red Hair Pirates, one of the current Four Emperors."It's Hawkeye, a rare guest. Do you want to have a showdown with me?"Shanks immediately suggested a fight.But Hawkeye wasn't there to fight."At this point, what's there to talk about a showdown with a one-armed man like you?""I found an interesting pirate crew.""It reminds me of something you mentioned before, about two kids from a certain village."Hawkeye handed two bounty posters to Shanks."The long-haired kid among them is even your apprentice, right, Beckman?""Hmm?"Shanks tossed the bounty posters to Beckman. Beckman saw that they were indeed Luffy and that annoying kid."Hahaha, 'Long Hair.' Knowing that kid, he definitely doesn't like that title."Beckman said, laughing heartily.Shanks looked up and smiled, "Regardless, those two have arrived, Luffy, Satoru.""Let's continue the banquet, everyone!!""Didn't we just finish drinking?!""What are you saying? On such a happy day, we should have a few more drinks! Hahaha."
Chapter 92: The Town of Beginning and End"Wahahaha, looks like we've got bounties! 30 million and 25 million.""That seems like a lot, Satoru!""Satoru?"Luffy said, grinning widely while holding the two wanted posters."Satoru is sleeping in the crow's nest.""That doesn't matter! Ahahaha, I'm in both of them! Hahaha, won't this picture spreading across the world make many people swoon!!"Coincidentally, Usopp's figure appeared on both wanted posters: a back view on Luffy's poster, and Usopp's Long Nose peeking out beside Satoru's profile on his poster.Usopp smiled happily, pointing at the two wanted posters and showing off.He was happy because he wasn't the one being hunted, yet he was featured.Later, when he became "God" and had a 200 million bounty, he was terrified and ecstatic at the same time.Sanji was a bit annoyed. "It's just the back of your head and your nose, what's there to brag about?"However, he didn't know that this was just the beginning. Regarding bounties, he would be suppressed by Mosshead from start to finish. Well, now there was Satoru too.Nami sighed, holding her forehead as she looked at the three guys."Don't you guys realize the situation?""30 million and 25 million.""Because of these bounties, our heads are quickly—or perhaps already—being targeted.""The Marine Headquarters and bounty hunters will definitely take action."But they let her talk all she wanted.Luffy remained highly enthusiastic."Let's push forward with all our might toward the Grand Line!!"Sanji and Usopp enthusiastically responded, linking arms.Meanwhile, Zoro, having nothing to do, looked out at the sea from the second-floor deck and suddenly spotted an island."Hey, I think I see an island."As the island closest and most famous in the East Blue to Reverse Mountain, Nami naturally knew about it."We've arrived...""That island has Loguetown, also known as the Town of Beginning and End.""Gol D. Roger, the former Pirate King, was born there and executed there."The sea breeze blew, and Luffy gazed at the island which held special significance."The place where the Pirate King was executed..."Nami smoothed her hair and smiled. "Shall we go?"...The crew arrived in Loguetown.Satoru was still sleeping, and the others didn't wake him up.Zoro went to buy swords and met Tashigi, who looked remarkably similar to Kuina.Sanji went to buy ingredients, and Usopp did too, though he was buying materials to make ammunition.Nami tried on a whole range of clothes at a luxury clothing store.And Luffy headed toward the execution platform.Staring up at the execution platform where the Pirate King was killed, time seemed to stop for a second.In that second, everyone in the square disappeared, leaving only Luffy and the execution platform "staring" at each other."The place where the greatest pirate in history was executed...""The place where the Age of Pirates began..."..."Hoo~ sigh~"Dark clouds slowly drifted over Loguetown, but Satoru was still asleep.Zoro, paying the price of one arm, successfully acquired sandai kitetsu.Moreover, as a fine sword deserves a famous master, the weapon shop owner Ipponmatsu also gifted the famous sword Yubashiri to Zoro.He said it was one man entrusting his dream to another man.It seemed the young owner was also a man with a past; judging by his age, perhaps he even knew Pirate King Roger.As for Nami, after trying on every single outfit in the luxury store, she bought nothing, instead purchasing a large bag of clothes from a regular clothing store.Sanji and Usopp were carrying an "Elephant Trunk Tuna" that had tusks and an elephant trunk.Just as everyone was returning with a full haul, something happened to Luffy... "Ugh~"Satoru stretched and pulled off his eye mask. The sky over Loguetown was now overcast, so the light wasn't too harsh.Seeing the deck below empty, Satoru jumped down, collected his clothes, and then looked towards the entrance of Loguetown."Loguetown.""The Town of Beginning and End.""The Pirate King's hometown.""Hmm... I transmigrated and met Luffy when he was young. What if I had transmigrated to Roger's childhood and met a young Roger?""...Thinking too much."Satoru cast aside the strange thoughts in his mind.He figured since he had sent Buggy off to collect a bounty, the incident where Luffy was executed shouldn't happen. He just needed to wait on the ship for the others to return.But just as this thought settled, Mochi, wearing a helmet and riding Richie—a lion whose mane was tied into braids to resemble a motorcycle—came over.Satoru glanced and thought he had seen wrong."Huh?""That rubber man is currently being executed by the Captain. If he manages to escape by chance, my mission is to burn this ship down.""You want to burn what?"Mochi was muttering to himself when Satoruinstantly flashed in front of him, crouching on top of Richie's head, startling Mochi."Mommy!!!""You... you..."Satoru smiled slightly and punched him... The scene shifted, and Richie and Mochi were lying on the ground, bruised and swollen.Satoru quickly flew toward the execution platform in the square.He had just learned from Mochi that during Buggy's escort, the Marine warship had encountered a disaster and capsized.Buggy, hiding in a safe, drifted across the sea and was picked up by Mochi and Kabaji, who were fighting over the position of Captain.They then ran into Alvida, who had undergone a "makeover," and these two groups began pursuing them.After hearing this, Satoru couldn't help but sigh with emotion."Is this Haoshoku Luck?"...At the execution platform, the four crew members—Zoro, Nami, Sanji, and Usopp—who had returned with their haul also saw Luffy locked onto the platform.Zoro and Nami were surprised by Buggy's appearance, but the most important thing now was to save Luffy.Nami and Usopp went back to adjust the going merry, while Sanji and Zoro were responsible for the rescue."Hee ha ha ha, the execution is about to begin.""It's my first time watching an execution.""Idiot! You're the one being executed!!""What!!!"Buggy shouted speechlessly, thinking, *You are too slow on the uptake!*"As the Captain of that damned Long Hair bastard and that little thief Nami, you must have ordered them to steal all my treasure!""So you should die first!""If you have any last words, speak them now, hee ha ha ha."At this moment, the square was packed with people, not much less than when the Pirate King was executed.Luffy took a deep breath and shouted loudly."I am the man who will become the Pirate King!!"The sound spread out.Everyone below the execution platform was stunned."What! Pi... Pirate King...""To utter such a boast, specifically in this town, on this execution platform.""Is that all you have to say, you rubber bastard?"Buggy excitedly raised his long sword.Just then, Zoro and Sanji shouted."Hold your blade!"But Zoro and Sanji only had their voices, not an "imperial decree," so why would Buggy listen?
Chapter 93: I'm Betting on LuffySatoru stepped through the air and rushed towards Loguetown Square.Halfway there, Luffy's voice faintly reached his ears.Satoru saw the distance and realized he wouldn't make it in time. He landed on the roof of the tallest nearby house, his bracelet transformed into a sniper rifle, and he lay down, setting up his aim.At the Execution Platform, Zoro and Sanji shouted for them to stop.But why would Buggy listen?Moreover, they couldn't teleport; the distance from the outskirts of the square to the Execution Platformwas too great. Even if they ran until their legs broke, they couldn't outrun the speed of Buggy's blade.Satoru adjusted the scope, and the first thing he saw was Luffy's Smiling Face.Although he couldn't hear it, Luffy's words automatically rang in Satoru's ears."Sorry, I'm dead."Facing death with a smile—such a state of mind was truly admirable.Smoker was also so shocked that the cigar fell from his mouth. It reminded him of when he saw the execution of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, as a child.The exact same smile.Seeing this smile, Satoru also smiled. He didn't adjust his aim but just watched.He knew what fate had in store, but he didn't know if fate would change because of his appearance.But he wasn't in a hurry now. He wanted to take a gamble, but the stake was Luffy's life.The next second, Buggy raised his hand and brought down the blade.His blade was fast, but the blue lightning that fell as his blade swung was even faster.Like a dragon entering the sea, a bolt of blue lightning struck the Execution Platform accurately. The dazzling blue light instantly illuminated Loguetown, which was covered by dark clouds.The lightning fell, and like a vanguard general setting out, the raindrop Soldiers followed, throwing themselves onto the earth one after another.Watching through the scope, the lightning instantly enveloped both Luffy and Buggy, and the Execution Platform collapsed.Satoru couldn't help but laugh, "Hahaha, fate~""It's really wonderful, right, Uncle Dragon?"Unbeknownst to him, Dragon was already standing behind Satoru.Rain hit Dragon's hood. Looking towards the Execution Platform, Dragon asked."Why didn't you fire?""I'm gambling."Dragon fell silent. You're gambling with my son's life?"I'm not gambling with the heavens. I'm gambling with Luffy—betting my life and his. Since he survived, then my life, if needed in the future—though it's best if it's not—can be given to him."Dragon showed a faint smile, then his figure vanished in a flash... Meanwhile, at the Execution Platform.The straw hat made of "World Tree Bark" slowly fell from the sky.Luffy bent down, picked up the hat, put it back on his head, stood on the collapsed platform, and smiled at everyone."Ya-hahahaha, I still survived!""Quite lucky."Alvida, Kabaji, and their subordinates were all shocked.Sanji calmed down, lit another cigarette, and calmly asked Zoro next to him."Do you believe there are gods in this world?""Stop talking nonsense and let's leave this town. It looks like there's going to be a riot."Just as Zoro finished speaking.The Marines appeared."Surround the square! Round up the pirates!"Luffy took off running, and Sanji and Zoroimmediately followed."They're here!""Run!!""Hey, over there! Where do you think you're escaping to!!"...Smoker, standing on the balcony of the Marinebase and witnessing everything, felt more and more fearful the more he thought about it.Why did he smile?In that moment, he calmly accepted his fate of dying and went to his death with a smile.Just like the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, who smiled on this Execution Platform 22 years ago.Exiting the base, the rain fell but couldn't extinguish Smoker's smoke."Which way did they escape?""Towards the port to the west.""And, Captain, the cannons can't fire because they're wet from the rain."Smoker was silent, looking up at the raindrops blown slanted by the wind."A west wind is blowing now. For them, it's a tailwind.""Is this all a 'coincidence'?""It's as if the heavens want that man to survive and send him to the Grand Line!"Lightning, heavy rain, disabled cannons, a west wind.Each of these things made Smoker feel as though the heavens were helping Luffy reach the Grand Line.So he bet his reputation that he would never let Luffy leave Loguetown alive."I, 'White Hunter' Smoker!""Betting my reputation, I will never let that guy leave this island!"...These are things that cannot be stopped.[Inherited Will][Human Dreams][The Tide of the Times]As long as humans continue to seek the answer to 'Freedom', these things will never stop.--Pirate King Roger"A pirate? That's not bad either."At another location, Dragon glanced at Satoru, who was still lying on the roof, then looked towards the Execution Platform and remarked.In his eyes, being a Marine couldn't compare to being a pirate.Being a Marine has far too many restrictions... Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji made their getaway.Buggy was struck by lightning but didn't die; he was quite lucky.He climbed back up, still full of vigor, and transformed into the "Chop-Chop Car."Alvida used her Devil Fruit Ability to slide out.But after just a few steps, they were all caught in Smoker's smoke.Then, Smoker drove his three-wheeled motorcycle in the direction Luffy and the others had left..."The wind is getting stronger.""What a bunch of persistent guys. Should we stop and deal with them?"Luffy and the others fled, with Marine Soldiers in hot pursuit.Suddenly, a bullet hit the leg of the Soldier in the lead, making him fall and roll in pain. Then a large number of people were forced to trip, and others stopped upon seeing this.Whenever someone dared to take a step, a bullet would strike the ground accurately in front of their feet, scaring them so much they didn't dare move.Zoro and Sanji didn't understand why, but Luffyimmediately realized."It's Satoru!""He's covering us from the shadows! Hahaha, let's go!!"But just as they dealt with one "stumbling block," another appeared.Master Chief Petty Officer Tashigi of MarineHeadquarters.She was there for Zoro."I never thought you'd be the Pirate Hunter Roronoa Zoro.""And you've even become a pirate!""I'm going to take back your blades!""Try and take them!"Zoro smiled and drew his blades towards her."You guys go ahead, I'll catch up later."Luffy and Sanji didn't hesitate; they bypassed the two and ran past. It was a wise decision."Okay!"As for Tashigi's strength, after only a few moves, her sword Shigure was knocked away by Zoro.Zoro didn't kill her, but Tashigi was even more dissatisfied."Why didn't you kill me? Is it because... I'm a woman?"Zoro was even more at a loss for words.This woman not only looked like Kuina, but even the things she said and thought were the same.She was practically another Kuina in the world, one who had grown up healthy.Unable to bear it any longer, Zoro started arguing with her directly.
Chapter 94: Setting Off, Towards the Grand LineAfter the incident at the execution platform, Satoruwas even more certain that destiny lay with Luffy.Fortunately, he isn't too smart, and his murderous intent isn't heavy. Otherwise, having everything going for him with perfect timing would just lead to a short life.A storm is approaching; if they don't leave quickly, they'll likely be trapped on the island.Not to mention it would affect their journey to the Grand Line, but there's also a 'crazy' Marine colonel who has staked his reputation on chasing them down...."Who are you!""My name is Smoker, and I am a MarineHeadquarters colonel.""I won't let you escape to sea!!"Smoker attacked without a word, his hands turning into white smoke to wrap around Luffy."Whoa, what is this!?"Sanji rushed over and kicked Smoker in the face, but it felt like kicking cotton."Small fry, don't look for trouble!""White Blow!"He sent Sanji flying with a single move.Small fry—Smoker can only say that now.In the early stages, he can't be beaten by anyone.In the later stages, he can't beat anyone.Because in the early stages, without Armament Haki coverage, the elemental transformation of a Logia-type devil fruit is simply unsolvable, unless one can find a method to counter it, like how Crocodile's sand fears water.There was no way around it; they couldn't land a hit. Luffy was pinned to the ground by Smoker in just two moves, his straw hat covering his face....The Marine Soldiers still didn't dare to move. The wind behind them grew stronger, tilting the bodies of those in the back and knocking those in the front a few steps forward."Mommy!!"The Soldier was scared to death and immediately dodged back, but there was no movement.Trying to take another step, they found they were still fine, and only then did they realize they had been played."Damn it, we were played by the pirates, chase them!!"Meanwhile, Satoru had already returned to the going merry a step earlier, turning his bracelet into an umbrella to shield himself.Bored, he started talking to Usopp and Nami about Smoker's abilities."Ah! Is he that scary?"Usopp felt afraid."Then can Luffy and the others come back? According to what you said, Satoru, they can't land a hit—isn't that unsolvable?"Nami asked worriedly; she had made up her mind to go to sea, and she didn't want to fail right at the start.Satoru shook his head slightly, "They will come back. In a moment of crisis, he will act.""Who?""...Dragon, who calls the wind."..."You're actually worth 30 million Berries? It's a pity that the 25-million one got away.""However, your good luck has come to an end."Smoker pressed down on Luffy's head with one hand and reached for the weapon on his back, the Jitte, with the other; its tip was embedded with Sea Stone, perfect for dealing with devil fruit users.However, just as Smoker grabbed the handle, a hand pressed down on the Jitte's handle from behind.No matter how hard Smoker pulled, he couldn't draw it out, and Dragon's calm voice followed."That's not necessarily true."Smoker turned his head, and with just one look, his eyes widened uncontrollably, "You are..."Luffy was pinned to the ground, and at this moment, he was indeed curious about who had arrived."Who? Who is it?"Your familiar yet unfamiliar dad."The government has always wanted your head."Smoker said; he knew he definitely couldn't beat this person, so he didn't dare to act rashly.His black cloak fluttered, and Dragon smiled, the tattoo on his face twitching slightly."The world is waiting for our answer..."As his voice fell, a violent western storm blew from inside the town to the outside.The Soldiers blown by the wind knocked Smoker, who was pinning Luffy down, away.Zoro also arrived with the wind, grabbed Luffy by the collar, and ran."Run quickly!""Otherwise, we'll be trapped on the island. What a huge storm.""Don't dawdle."Luffy was still wondering who had come, but he was dragged away."Ah! What on earth is going on?"..."Hmph, go ahead, if that's your way of doing things."Dragon waved his hand, seeing his son off.And Smoker climbed up from the ground and asked Dragon in confusion."Why did you help that kid! Dragon!"Dragon turned around, leaving Smoker with his back."What reason is there to stop a man from setting sail?"Smoker was silent, gripped his Jitte, and instantly charged at Dragon's back.One can only say he has great courage.But before he could take two steps, he was immediately pinned to the ground by a powerful wind pressure, unable to move, watching helplessly as Dragon left....Just as the rope tying the going merry was swaying precariously, the figures of the three—Luffy and the others—appeared."Luffy!""Get on the ship quickly, the rope is about to give way."Usopp shouted, and no sooner had he finished speaking than the rope snapped with a "pop."Satoru immediately shouted, "Luffy, get on the ship yourself!"Then he stretched out his arms, grabbed Zoro and Sanji's clothes, and pulled them back.As his arms retracted, the recoil from the weight of the two almost sent Satoru flying.So, when the two reached the ship's area, Satoru let go and jumped up.Zoro and Sanji, unable to control their bodies in the air, crashed straight over.Satoru landed, stepping on their backs one by one."Welcome back.""I thank you so much!" × 2..."Whoa, the ship feels like it's going to flip."With the storm and the huge waves, the going merry was like a roller coaster, violently rocking up and down—a recipe for seasickness."Do you see that light?"Nami stood at the bow, looking at the light shining from afar."Is that the lighthouse on the island?""A navigation light.""The entrance to the Grand Line is right in front of that light.""What should we do?"Ignoring her soaked hair, Nami turned her head and asked.Sanji immediately brought out a wooden barrel."Alright, then let's perform a ceremony for entering the Grand Line."Usopp was so panicked his nose was trembling."Huh? We're going to sail in under this storm?""Hahaha, that's what makes it interesting, isn't it?"Satoru turned his umbrella back into a bracelet; since everyone else was getting rained on, he looked a bit pretentious....The ceremony could also be called a "meeting of the feet."Sanji was the first to place his heel against the barrel."I'm going to find the All Blue."Then came Luffy."I'm going to become the Pirate King!"Zoro."I'm going to become the greatest swordsman."Nami."I'm going to draw a map of the world."Usopp tremblingly placed his leg on it too."Ah... then me, I'm going to become a brave warrior of the sea."That left only Satoru, and everyone looked at him.Satoru thought for a moment and took the last spot."I'm going to the docks to get some fries, and to grow old with my brothers and comrades!"Six feet were gathered.The six of them smiled and shouted in unison."Set off! Towards the Grand Line!!"Then, they all pressed down with their feet, crushing the barrel!The ceremony was complete.The Barrel: Doesn't anyone care about me? You guys are full of high spirits, and I just get smashed to pieces.
Chapter 95: The Guiding Light of the Straw Hat Pirates"The entrance to the Grand Line is a mountain."Because the lighthouse light had disappeared (this was because Crocus had gone into Laboon's stomach for a 'vacation' at this time).Luffy and the others entered the kitchen, relying on the sea charts to confirm their course."A mountain?"Question marks popped up over the heads of Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp."Yes, although it's hard to believe, the navigation lights are indeed set upon Reverse Mountain on the Red Line.""S-So... we're going to crash into a mountain?"Usopp swallowed hard. Since it was a mountain, how were they supposed to cross it?"Of course that's impossible." ×2Satoru and Nami spoke at the same time.Nami looked at Satoru with a bit of surprise.Satoru cleared his throat and continued."Reverse Mountain is an incredible and dangerous mountain that serves as the entrance to the Grand Line, which is why it's also called 'Incredible Mountain'.""There are five sea currents on Reverse Mountain in an X-shape, with four currents flowing in and one flowing out.""Four of those sea currents lead to the summit.""The canals formed by these four currents connect to the four different sea regions: the East Blue, West Blue, South Blue, and North Blue.""And the final canal flows into the Grand Line."Everyone listened in a daze. There were actually canals that could climb mountains?Nami, however, was very puzzled. "Don't you know nothing about navigation, Satoru?""But I am knowledgeable."Satoru replied with a smile."Memorizing this static knowledge is fine; I asked my master about it before. As for actual navigation, we still have to rely on you, Miss Nami."Nami didn't react much and picked up the sea chart. "So, according to what Satoru said, we must follow the current to find the canal entrance. Otherwise, if we hit Reverse Mountain, we'll only end up with a destroyed ship and dead crew.""S-So dangerous!!"Usopp hugged himself in fear."If it's so dangerous, why must we go through the 'entrance'? Can't we turn south and find another route?"Zoro asked, closing his eyes and scratching his temple."Wow, even knowing to go south, Brother Zoro's sense of direction is really good."Satoru wouldn't miss any chance to be a smart-aleck.Zoro was almost used to it; he ignored him and waited for Nami's answer.Luffy suddenly popped up."You're wrong about that."Nami was a bit surprised, but then she thought it was normal since Luffy and Satoru grew up together and he might know."Yes, there is a very big reason..."But halfway through, Luffy didn't disappoint. "Going through the entrance just feels more exciting!"Nami was speechless and gave Luffy a punch to the head."That's not why!"But before she could explain the reason, Usoppinterrupted again."Hey, the storm has stopped."...The group went out onto the deck, except for Satoru, who refused to go out no matter what."The weather is so nice, the sunlight is great."Sanji said with a cigarette in his mouth."Ahhhhhhh!!"Luffy shouted excitedly with his hands raised.Only Nami's face looked grim."Oh no, we've reached the Calm Belt."Nami remembered; no wonder Satoru wouldn't come out."You guys! Hurry up and furl the sails, row the ship back into the storm."Nami shouted anxiously.But Luffy and Usopp didn't understand."Huh? Why?""Why should we row the ship back into the storm?"The back of their heads radiated calm.But in the next second, they weren't calm anymore.The going merry felt like it was in an earthquake as various bizarre, giant Sea Kings emerged from beneath the sea.The going merry was perched on the head of a Sea King; compared to it, the going merry was as tiny as an ant.Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji's mouths hung open in shock.Usopp straight up started foaming at the mouth.Satoru, in the kitchen, was also terrified watching these giant Sea Kings through the window."Good grief, seeing it with my own eyes is truly terrifying."Miss Nami slumped down and hugged the mast. "Because this is a nest of giant Sea Kings!!!"...Usopp almost ended up stuck in a Sea King's teeth—no, he wasn't even big enough to get stuck in their teeth.Fortunately, it was only 'almost'.After some frantic effort, the going merry finally returned to the storm.Everyone lay on the deck, feeling like they had just escaped death.Satoru also walked out onto the deck."Now you know why I didn't come out to tell Miss Nami why we couldn't take another path.""Earlier, when Zoro said to go south, we would have entered the Calm Belt.""The Calm Belt is the strip of regions on both sides of the Grand Line, sandwiching the entire Grand Line in the middle.""In the Calm Belt, there is neither wind nor sea currents. Once a sailing ship enters, it loses its power and gets trapped, only able to move by rowing.""And, just as Miss Nami said, this is a nest for super-giant Sea Kings. If one of them just turns over, it's a monstrous wave for us. It's precisely because of the Calm Belt that pirates from the four seas must go through Reverse Mountain to enter the Grand Line.""Well, not necessarily; it's a matter of strength. From the Grand Line, one can freely enter the four seas through the Calm Belt and vice versa without going through Reverse Mountain.""So, many powerful people also take the Calm Belt. As long as you're strong enough, even swimming across is no problem.""S-Swimming across!""That's too exaggerated, Satoru.""I almost fainted just looking at those giant Sea Kings, and yet someone can swim across?"Usopp was still terrified thinking about it."Like I said, it's a matter of strength. As long as you're strong enough, it's not impossible."...This time, Miss Nami personally kept an eye on the course outside.They finally reached the Red Line smoothly."I see 'Incredible Mountain'.""That's the Red Line.""It's huge!!""It's blocked by clouds; I can't see the end of it."Everyone marveled, and Satoru felt the same. He had seen too many 'big' things today; it was enough to make someone's megalophobia 'die' on the spot."The canal entrance, I see it!"Nami shouted, pointing at the canal entrance climbing up Reverse Mountain."It's truly incredible...""The ocean is really... climbing a mountain..."...This time, as they climbed Reverse Mountain along the canal, the going merry's rudder actually didn't break.Satoru thought to himself, could it be that my luck from 'bearing humiliation' and not swearing these past few days has taken effect?Once they reached the summit, they just had to let it rush down.But while the rudder wasn't broken, Laboon was still blocking the way.Satoru noticed Laboon.A sudden thought occurred to him.It could be said that everything that happened to the straw hat crew after entering the Grand Line was triggered by Laboon.If Laboon hadn't happened to be blocking the way here, they wouldn't have met Vivi and the others. Without meeting Vivi, Luffy and the others might have chosen a different magnetic line.It was precisely because of Laboon that the straw hat crew chose this path and met their current comrades.And before entering the New World, it was also a group of whales that helped them confirm their course on the seabed.Could it be that whales are the guiding light of the Straw Hat Pirates?
Chapter 96: Laboon"Boooooo!!!"The going merry rushed down from the top of the mountain along the canal, and Laboon's cry came from the bottom of the mountain."What is that... It looks like a mountain?"Usopp put on his sniper goggles and seemed to see a "mountain wall.""That can't be right. How could there be a mountain at the exit of the canal!"Nami immediately retorted."It's a whale, not a mountain."Satoru jumped down from the lookout and replied.His tone was very calm, because Laboon's massive body was blocking almost the entire exit, and unless the ship could fly, there was no way to get around it."Oh, it's a whale."Hearing Satoru's calm tone, Nami subconsciously assumed it wasn't a big deal."Wait, no! What! A whale!!!"After realizing what he said, Nami immediately turned her head to look again, and saw clearly that it was indeed a giant whale."What do we do! What do we do!!"Usopp pushed his goggles up and asked anxiously.If they crashed into it like this, the going merrywould definitely be smashed to pieces."I've got an idea."Everyone was at a loss, but Luffy had an idea.Luffy ran into the cabin, and with a bang, the cannon at the bow fired at Laboon.With the recoil from the cannon fire, the ship's speed did slow down, but it was still moving forward.With a thud, it gently bumped into Laboon, but even though it was gentle, the going merry still "lost its head."Seeing Luffy's expression change, Satoruimmediately walked to the left edge of the ship.Zoro asked, puzzled."What are you doing? Satoru!""Come and help! While the whale hasn't noticed us yet, row to the left and run away!"Satoru turned his head to give Zoro a side glance, "It's too late."Then, they saw Luffy angrily stretch his arm out and punch Laboon in the eye."How dare you destroy my VIP seat!!""Idiot!!!!"Zoro and the others were terrified by Luffy's action.Laboon cast its gaze down and noticed them.It opened its mouth, and a massive suction force pulled the going merry inside.As for Satoru, the moment Laboon opened its mouth, his bracelet turned into a grappling hook and fired, grabbing the edge of the cliff on the left, allowing him to fly over and land safely.Below, Laboon had already swallowed the going merry, and Luffy was standing on Laboon's head, pounding away, vainly hoping to make Laboon spit them out."Luffy, look to your left, there's a hatch. Go in and find Zoro and the others, I'll meet you on the other side!!"Satoru shouted.Luffy turned his head and indeed saw the hatch, "Alright!!"Without looking back, he shouted "Alright," twisted the hatch open, and immediately jumped inside.Laboon then sank to the bottom of the sea....The sea was calm and peaceful, as if nothing had happened just moments ago.Satoru raised his hand, wearing his bracelet on his wrist, along with the Little White Snake.Noticing Satoru's gaze, the Little White Snaketurned and raised its head to look at him.Satoru smiled."Little White, go help me tell Laboon, that whale.""Tell him I know where the people he's waiting for are."Flicking its tongue, after three seconds, Little White nodded, left Satoru's hand, and jumped into the sea.Satoru looked around, "This is a great place to fish."...Laboon began to ram its head against the Red Line.But unlike other days, after only two rams, a Little White Snake swam up to its eye.In the past, Laboon wouldn't stop unless it was sedated, but when it met the snake eyes of Little White, Laboon stopped immediately and obediently listened to what Little White had to say.Inside the whale's belly, Crocus, who was just about to administer a sedative to Laboon, also found it strange that Laboon had stopped so abruptly."Strange, has Laboon finally let it go?"Regardless, it was a good thing that Laboon had stopped....Outside, Laboon breached the surface, with Little White coiled on its head. Once they were out, it jumped directly back onto Satoru's wrist. Strangely, despite coming out of the sea, it was completely dry.But Satoru didn't notice this; instead, he looked at Laboon."You can understand me, can't you, Laboon."Laboon nodded, and with just that slight movement, massive waves rose on both sides."First, you have to promise me to calm down.""The Rumbar Pirates, they didn't abandon you, but they have already perished."As soon as Satoru said this, tears instantly welled up in Laboon's eyes.Seeing it was about to lose control, Little White raised its head, its red snake eyes glowing slightly, and Laboon calmed down again."Hmm?"Satoru was also puzzled; he had already prepared to retreat and wait for Laboon to vent its emotions before speaking again."However, there is one person still alive, and that is Brook.""He ate the Yomi Yomi no Mi, so he was resurrected. You've been waiting for them for 50 years, but you still have Crocus keeping you company.""But Brook has truly been all alone for 50 years.""I promise you, my comrades and I will bring Brookback to see you."After speaking, Satoru extended his fist toward Laboon.Laboon looked at this fist, which was smaller than an ant in its eyes.Gently, ever so gently, it bumped against it, accepting Satoru's promise...."Ship's doctor, are you really a ship's doctor? Old man, why don't you be our ship's doctor then."Inside Laboon, Luffy and the others had met Crocus.But they didn't know that this old man before them was the ship's doctor for Pirate King Roger."Hehe, I'm long past the age for such foolishness. Let's just forget about that."Crocus replied, while twisting the switch on the door.For 50 years, in order to treat Laboon, Crocus had modified the inside of Laboon's body.It could be said that Laboon was now, "Flesh is weak, machines ascend."Opening the door and coming out, Sanji followed Nami's instructions and kicked Miss Wednesday and Mr. 9 off the going merry.As the ship headed toward the shore, Nami saw that Satoru was actually sitting on the shore fishing!"Yo, you guys are back."Seeing Luffy and the others return, Satoru smiled and waved to greet them.Nami walked up and punched him directly, "You really are quite relaxed!!!"...Back at Twin Cape, Crocus told everyone the story of Laboon and the Rumbar Pirates.But he had also misunderstood, thinking that Brookand his crew had been scared off by the horrors of the Grand Line.But in reality, Brook and his crew had been wiped out in the Florian Triangle, a place where hundreds of people went missing every day.Luffy listened silently, then ran onto the ship, broke off the mast that had become precarious from the earlier impact, rushed onto Laboon's head, and stabbed it right into the wound."Gum-Gum! Mast! Spear!!"Zoro and the others were so shocked they turned into "The Scream."Laboon let out a cry, the sound deafening.Satoru couldn't stay calm anymore either."My lookout!!!""Ah no, Luffy, stop quickly!!"
Chapter 97: 1 vs 100, Requiem Under the MoonlightLuffy's action of sticking the mast into the wound on Laboon's head gave everyone a huge fright.It was literally rubbing salt in a wound; Laboonswayed left and right in pain, crying out loudly."You bastard, what exactly are you trying to do!!""Luffy, stop it right now!!"Zoro and Satoru shouted in unison.But under the cover of Laboon's roaring, their voices couldn't reach Luffy's ears at all.Luffy held onto the mast to keep from being thrown off, and after Laboon stopped, he punched Laboonright in the eye.Laboon was angry too. You came up here and started hitting me for no reason, what's the big idea!It swung its head over.Luffy flew out like a kite with a broken string, but Satoru flashed over and braced Luffy's back.That hit from Laboon was no joke.Yet, Luffy lifted his head and shouted at Laboonwith a smile."We're even now!""I'm strong, right?""We haven't decided a winner, so we have to have another round.""Your comrades are dead, but I am your opponent.""After we sail around the Grand Line, we'll come back to see you!"Luffy was giving Laboon something to look forward to.But Laboon's expression seemed to say, you could have just said that, there was no need to "stick a flower" in my wound.Its eyes turned to Satoru, and Satoru nodded slightly. This nod was to tell Laboon that Luffy and the others were his comrades.Having received the answer.Laboon lifted its head again and shouted, "Bo-ooo-ooo-ooo!!"However, this time, the cry wasn't as piercing...."So cold!""No way! I need to train my constitution!""So cold!""No good..."After leaving Twin Cape and continuing the voyage, the weather on the Grand Line changed as quickly as a "girlfriend's" mood.Just a moment ago it was clear skies, now it was freezing frost and snow.Satoru was shivering from the cold, wavering between copying a constitution and training his own.And what happened before leaving Twin Cape was proceeding as destiny dictated.Luffy drew the Straw Hat Pirates' mark on Laboon, although it wasn't very visible.Afterward, Crocus explained the use of the log poseto them.Luffy took out the log pose he had swiped from Mr.9. Nami put it on preciously, and then, amidst Sanji and Luffy's "bickering," it was smashed to pieces.Nami was so angry she kicked them both into the sea to cool off.Then they encountered Miss Wednesday and Mr.9, who had failed their mission and been blasted into the sea.At the pair's desperate, begging insistence, they took the log pose gifted by Crocus and headed toward Whiskey Peak...."No, I can't take it anymore!!"Satoru couldn't stand the cold, and seeing Zoro fast asleep on the deck, he was truly impressed.He jumped down from the crow's nest, reached out to press on him, and copied his constitution.In other words, you can't compare one person's constitution to another's. With this copy, Satoruinstantly didn't feel cold anymore."Phew, I really don't know how these guys' constitutions grow.""Training one's constitution is a long and arduous road."Stretching, Satoru muttered, suddenly feeling a death glare coming from behind.Nami appeared behind Satoru, "So you copied Zoro's constitution, huh? Since he can't be woken up even if beaten to death, then you go help him steer the ship back on course."The currents of the Grand Line have no rules; they are random turbulence. If you don't constantly pay attention to the course and steer, you'll be carried by the currents to some unknown corner.Satoru grinned sheepishly; waking up Zoro was something he was good at.Satoru leaned down and said into Zoro's ear, "A powerful swordsman has arrived.""Where?"It worked like a charm. Zoro opened his eyes instantly, his hand naturally resting on the hilt of his sword.But there was no swordsman, only Satoru."Alright, Zoro's awake."Satoru wanted to leave after saying that.Nami grabbed him by the collar of fate, her eyes glowing."It's even better that Zoro's awake. Neither of you is allowed to slack off."Just like that, Zoro and Satoru were forced to shovel snow, but it wasn't too bad.Soon the course was adjusted back. After the course was normalized, the snow stopped, and they quickly arrived at Whiskey Peak....Seeing the outline of Whiskey Peak.Miss Wednesday and Mr.9 did a backflip, standing on the ship's railing in perfect sync."Alright!!""Thanks for bringing us back, babies.""We'll be taking our leave now.""If we're fated to meet again, see you then.""See you, babies" x2Hearing this, Satoru glanced at Miss Wednesday. Fated, yes, very fated indeed, Princess Vivi.After speaking, the two did another backflip and dove into the sea."They left...""How strange, who are those two?""Never mind them, let's get to shore first."A log pose must record the magnetic field of an island before it points to the next one.Some islands take a few hours, others take a few days; you only know for sure once you're on the island and see how the log pose reacts....The going merry slowly approached the shore. The people on the shore weren't surprised or afraid to see a pirate ship; instead, they were even more excited, calling everyone out to welcome them.This completely baffled Luffy."The people on the island seem to be welcoming us, eh."His tone was full of confusion.Satoru knew those guys up there were nothing but people hiding knives behind their smiles."It's not'seem to be', they are."...Everyone went ashore, and Igaram, the mayor of Whiskey Peak whose hair looked like a Swiss roll, stepped forward to introduce himself."Mamamama (sounds like Big Mom's laugh), welcome! I am the mayor of this town, Igaram.""Our Whiskey Peak is a town famous for winemaking and music.""Hospitality is our glorious tradition.""Please allow us to hold a banquet to welcome you."Hearing this, Luffy and Usopp happily threw their arms around each other."A banquet! We're going to a banquet!"Logically, Sanji knew that there's no such thing as a free lunch, but he had already been captivated by the girls in the crowd.Zoro vaguely guessed something, but like Satoru, he didn't say anything.He thought, don't ruin Luffy and the others' fun.Satoru thought, it's free, eat first and ask questions later; it's no loss anyway....The scene shifted, night fell.At the banquet, all six members of the Straw Hat Pirates were drunk.But, Zoro, a drunkard, actually passed out before Nami?How is that possible?Zoro is a guy with half his body flowing with alcohol."As a swordsman, I will never let alcohol control my body, no matter what.""A den of bounty hunters, guys who specialize in taking advantage of newcomers who just entered the Grand Line.""There are probably about a hundred bounty hunters here.""I'll play along with you, Baroque Works."Standing on the roof, Zoro smiled and issued a challenge to the one hundred people below.Satoru suddenly popped up from behind him."Shouldn't need any help, right?""Hmph, you just watch.""Don't be like that, such a beautiful moon. Let me play a tune for you, add a music buff."The bracelet turned into a violin, and as Satoru drew the bow, music drifted out.1 vs 100, Requiem Under the Moonlight.
Chapter 97: The Battle Is Over, But the Night Is NotA Requiem Under the Moonlight.As Satoru drew the bow across the strings, music drifted out.Overture.Zoro flashed forward, jumping directly into the midst of the enemy."Kill him quickly! He's just a swords...""Where is he? Where did he go?!"Zoro vanished before their eyes, and Igaram, as well as Mr. 8, were instantly panicked.When they turned around, they saw him.Zoro was standing calmly in their midst, smiling as he asked."Alright, shall we begin?""You brat! How dare you look down on us!""Fire!"Seeing Zoro's calm demeanor, the bounty hunters were enraged and raised their guns to fire.They did a fine job... of taking out some of their own allies."He's gone again!""Where did he go?!"Zoro flashed again, drawing wado ichimonji with his back to Igaram, and inserted the blade in a reverse grip into his swirl-shaped hair."Right here!"Seeing Zoro's figure appear again, the crowd adjusted their aim, scaring Igaram so much his eyes nearly popped out."Stop! Stop it! Do you want to kill me along with him? You idiots!"Since they couldn't use guns, they used swords.Countless blades swung down, but Zoro flashed behind them again, his Yubashiri also drawn from its sheath."What a light sword, not bad."As abdomens were sliced open and blood splattered, Zoro took out another group with this strike.Igaram turned and immediately blew into the saxophone in his hand, a harsh, screeching noise mixing into the melody Satoru was playing."Pfft pfft pfft pfft!"Bullets were shot from the circular end of the horn."Spiky Horn!"It nicely finished off those who had been cut by Zoro, leaving them completely incapacitated and unable to fight.Zoro had disappeared again, hiding beside a house."So that was a shotgun. That's a dangerous thing, I'll have to be careful."With Zoro gone, Igaram and the others switched their target to Satoru.They raised their guns and fired, but Satoru calmly opened his eyes, his hands never stopping, and said."Main Theme."He then dodged the bullets with a few flashes of movement, yet the music never ceased for a moment."Damn it, go up there and cut him down!"Igaram shouted.All the bounty hunters climbed the stairs, intending to go up and attack Satoru.But just as the one in the lead reached the roof, Zoro's figure suddenly appeared above."Eh?!""Heh."With a kick, the bounty hunter on the ladder fell back down along with the ladder.Zoro and Satoru played it cool, saying he could handle it alone; if he let them attack Satoru, where would he put his face?Putting away wado ichimonji, Zoro drew sandai kitetsu, and his battle spirit instantly soared, making him eager to cut someone down.He knew this was sandai kitetsu craving battle and blood.But a swordsman cannot be controlled by his own sword.Forcing control over the slightly trembling sandai kitetsu, Zoro leaped into the air."He... he jumped down! Fire!"Zoro's lips curled upward as he swung his two swords, "Two-Sword Style: Hawk Wave!"The air pressure generated by the blades formed a wave-like shockwave, knocking over a portion of the bounty hunters in front of him.Zoro landed steadily, and then heard shouts from above."Aaaah!"Five female bounty hunters were descending upon him from above.Dual blades, a long sword, twin swords, a stone axe, and manicured claws.Five different weapons came for the kill.Zoro calmly drew a circle on the ground with sandai kitetsu, then walked away.The five landed on the circle, and the ground within the circle traced by sandai kitetsu simply collapsed.But just as Zoro turned, the muscular Miss Monday swung a ladder at him.Although he didn't have Observation Haki, the commotion Miss Monday made was audible even with his back turned.He instantly ducked, and the ladder smashed into the wall."That was close, it grazed my head."Zoro said, but was immediately grabbed and flipped over by Miss Monday, his hands pinned down.He saw Miss Monday wearing brass knuckles, winding up to strike."Extraordinary Strength!"Bang!A fist slammed into Zoro's head, shaking the ground until it cracked.Igaram smiled, thinking victory was certain.But who is Zoro?He's tougher than a cockroach."Mommy, aaaaaah!"Only Miss Monday's wail could be heard; Zoro had simply grabbed her head with one hand, causing her such pain that she knelt down."What's wrong, woman who thinks she has strength?""Weren't you trying to compare strength with me?"As Zoro finished speaking, Miss Monday foamed at the mouth and passed out.Then Zoro turned to look at the remaining people, sticking out his tongue to lick the blood dripping down his forehead."Do you still want to come at me? Baroque Works.""Your attacks aren't stylish at all."Igaram, Mr. 9, and Miss Wednesday understood instantly."The situation is clear now, the Marine wanted poster was wrong.""The guy in front of us is the one with the 30 million bounty, and that bastard playing the instrument on the roof has a 25 million bounty. They are the two main combat members.""So that's it... No wonder I thought it was strange. Is that brainless guy worth 30 million?"At this moment, Luffy was lying on the ground with a stomach like a balloon, a snot bubble coming out of his nose, dreaming of eating meat.He was indeed brainless and happy, but he was truly the Captain...."Finale."As the music reached its final point.Igaram, Mr. 9, and Miss Wednesday attacked Zorosimultaneously.But in the end, even though Luffy was pulled out as a hostage, Zoro used him instead, stepping on Luffy's stomach to launch himself into the air.He slashed through with one blade.Satoru's music ended at the same time.Igaram also fell.The battle was over.Satoru opened his eyes, watching Zoro kick Igaramdown to be with the others, then sat on the roof to drink."Phew, it's finally over. The night should be this peaceful.""The battle is over, but the night is not," Satorureplied as he put away his violin."Hm?"Zoro was about to ask why.When he heard someone else coming from below."Ms. Valentine!""Mr. 5!""Tonight is really lively," Zoro remarked."Heh heh, lively is good.""Tell me, is that Luffy lying in the middle of those two groups?" Satoru asked, pointing to Luffysleeping on the roadside.Zoro slapped his forehead, "Forgot about him."..."The names of the sinners are Igaram, Captain of the Alabasta Royal Guard, and the Princess of Alabasta, Nefertari Vivi."Mr. 5 took out a photo of Vivi.Igaram blew into his saxophone instantly."Hurry, Princess!""I never thought you were truly a princess, Miss Wednesday.""But after being partners for so long, we're old friends. Hurry, go!""Goodbye, baby!""Passionate Number 9, Perseverance Baseball!"Both Igaram and Mr. 9 launched attacks to cover Vivi's escape.Vivi, with tears in her eyes, rode Karoo and turned to run away.Meanwhile, Zoro silently walked through the middle of them and dragged Luffy away.But Igaram and Mr. 5 were taken out in just one move.Mr. 5 and Ms. Valentine had Princess Vivi as their target, so they didn't bother with Zoro and the others, going straight to pursue Vivi.Satoru thought for a moment, then flashed after them.
Chapter 98: I Like the Night Very Much"I'm a Bomb Man whose entire body can explode.""With the power of this Bomb-Bomb Fruit, there is no mission I cannot complete.""Don't even think about escaping! Prin...""Is that so? How scary~"Mr. 5 dug out a booger and tried to flick it at Vivi, but Satoru's figure suddenly appeared behind him and Ms. Valentine.He hooked his arms around both their necks; although he said it was scary, not a hint of fear could be heard in his tone.Both were startled; Satoru had appeared without a sound, leaving them completely unaware of his presence.With Satoru's current Silent Step combined with the speed of his Air Compression Burst, it was indeed difficult to detect him without Observation Haki; however, it also varied from person to person.Mr. 5 turned around and immediately pressed the booger in his hand toward him. Flames erupted, but Satoru's figure had already appeared in front of Vivi."It's you, the 25-million Berry Mr. Musician."Vivi said in surprise."Haha, a good name, I like it.""Don't worry, Princess Vivi, I'm here to help you."Vivi's movements paused. Help her? Why?..."You're the guy who was playing the violin on the roof earlier, an accomplice of that swordsman."Ms. Valentine said."Oh? Then why are you protecting the Princess of Alabasta?"Mr. 5 asked with his arms crossed."I'm bored."Satoru said with a smile, not taking the two of them seriously at all."Hmph!""Bored? You'll regret offending us!""Hehe, what a big talker. I'll use my ability to bury him in the ground."Mr. 5 dug out another booger.Meanwhile, Ms. Valentine opened the umbrella in her hand."Go! Ms. Valentine!""Understood, Mr. 5!!""Nose Fancy Cannon!"Mr. 5 flicked the booger, and Ms. Valentine followed closely behind to launch an assault.Satoru stood still. His bracelet transformed into a silver longbow. He drew the bow to its limit, and a sharp arrow appeared out of thin air.*Twang~*As Satoru let go, the arrow shot out with a whistle, hitting the booger. Flames instantly erupted, and thick smoke billowed out.However, Ms. Valentine was seen flying up."Behold the power of my Light-Heavy Fruit!""Yahahaha, prepare to die.""Right now, riding the blast wave of the explosion, I only weigh one kilogram!"Flying in the air, Ms. Valentine chattered away with a laugh.Satoru picked his ear."So noisy.""Have you said enough?""You're blocking the moon.""What?""Forget it, just die. Ten Thousand Kilogram Press!"Ms. Valentine's figure instantly plummeted down, and Satoru also instantly raised his bow, drawing it to fire an arrow."Yahahaha, how could a mere arrow possibly block me!"Ms. Valentine laughed triumphantly. Comparing ten thousand kilograms to a single arrow?She would crush it easily.But in the next second, the arrow struck beneath her feet. It didn't get crushed as she expected; instead, it instantly exploded.Flames and thick smoke erupted in mid-air. Ms. Valentine's figure was blown back to Mr. 5's side by the blast wave, and she lay on the ground, her entire body charred black.The eyes behind Mr. 5's sunglasses were filled with shock.Satoru looked at him and also shot an arrow over. A silver light flashed across the sunglasses.Mr. 5 reached out and caught the arrow directly, looking quite cool."Is this it? No explosion?"Mr. 5 was a Bomb Man; explosions were nothing to him, which was why he dared to catch the arrow so calmly. But this time, Satoru's arrow did not explode.Satoru still responded with a polite smile."I like the night very much."Because if the Replication Fruit's ability was used at night, it could directly replicate 80% of the target's strength.After learning this information from the System's mouth back in Usopp's hometown, Satoru had grown very fond of the night.To be precise, a moonlit night.It seemed that only on a night with a moon could he replicate 80% of the strength.Furthermore, he discovered that at night, his bracelet also gained a replication ability!However, it could only be used in the form of a bow and arrow or a firearm, and it could only replicate Devil Fruit abilities.For example, the reason the arrow he shot earlier exploded was that the bracelet had replicated Mr. 5's ability.However, there was one condition: if the bracelet replicated it, Satoru himself could not.But as mentioned before, although Satoru could replicate and keep multiple Devil Fruit abilities, he could only use one at a time. To use another, he had to deactivate the current one.But at night, when the bracelet could also replicate, he could use two abilities simultaneously.Most importantly, once the bracelet replicated something, it was permanent, with no time limit.The catch was that it could only be used on moonlit nights, and the power replicated by the bracelet was only half of the original user's power. Whether it could be improved later was unknown.When the System appeared again previously, it didn't explain where the bracelet came from, and Satoru forgot to ask.Thinking about it now, the bracelet should also be a product of the Replication Fruit... "What do you mean?"Mr. 5 asked. Who asked if you liked the night or not?But Satoru didn't answer him; instead, he snapped his fingers.Mr. 5 was instantly pinned down by the arrow in his hand. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't lift it.Nonsense, it was ten thousand kilograms.Satoru then blurred in motion and kicked him in the head, knocking him unconscious instantly.Vivi's mouth hung open in surprise."So strong!""He defeated Mr. 5 and Ms. Valentine with just two arrows.""Is this really a rookie who just entered the Grand Line?"..."Can't you even keep a single promise?"This sentence from Nami practically struck Zoro's weak point.Over on Zoro's side.Nami had agreed to Igaram's request to save Vivi, but the price was 1 billion Berries.She naturally wouldn't take action herself, so she sent Zoro instead.When Zoro refused, Nami brought up the matter of lending him money to buy swords in Loguetown.But Zoro's swords were given to him for free by Ipponmatsu, and he had already returned the money to Nami.No, no, no. As a "financial management" expert...Nami stated that returning the principal was one thing, but the agreement between them for triple interest was another matter entirely.Interest started the moment the money was lent, so Zoro still owed her 200,000 Berries. If he went to save Vivi, then they would call it even.It had to be said, Nami's maneuver here was practically asking to be hung from a lamppost."You'll die a horrible death!!"Zoro's teeth itched with anger as he turned to leave.Nami flipped her hair. "Yeah! Yeah! Someone like me should go to hell."Zoro had only taken two steps when he saw Satoruleading Karoo and walking back with Vivi
Chapter 99: I told you to stop them, not join them!"If anything happens to the princess, the kingdom will be finished. The princess must...""Must what?"Igaram was still lying on the ground, blood still trickling from his mouth, but as the Captain of the Royal Guard, he was still concerned about Princess Vivi's safety.But he was interrupted mid-sentence by Satoru's voice. Looking up, he saw Satoru leading Karoo, with Princess Vivi sitting on top, completely unharmed."Princess!"Seeing that Vivi was fine, Igaram excitedly scrambled to his feet.Nami also smiled, as if she could see a billion Berries waving at her."So that's where you disappeared to, Satoru.""So you went ahead to save her. How sensible of you.""Hehehe, do I get a share of that billion Berries, Big Boss?"Satoru replied with a smile."Considering how hard you've worked, giving you one or two Berries wouldn't be a problem."One or two Berries... capitalists should learn from you; even the Jews would feel inferior."But since you're back, Zoro can pay back the 200,000 Berries he owes me next time.""Zo... oh, he's gone. He moves fast."Nami thought about saving the opportunity for later, but when she turned around, Zoro was gone.And Luffy, who had been sleeping on the ground and got up to use the bathroom, was nowhere to be seen either."It's fine, the two of them went to (physically) sober up and (physically) digest their food.""Ignore them for now; we'll know where they are in a moment. Let's talk about the deal first, Miss Nami."Satoru brought the conversation back. Vivi looked like she wanted to ask about the deal, still looking confused."What exactly do you mean? Why did you save me?"Vivi got off Karoo's back and asked."Ah, right, that's the important part. Princess, would you like to make a deal with me..."Nami looked at Vivi and told her about the deal to save her and help her return to her country for the sum of one billion Berries.Unfortunately, Vivi refused.If it were the old Alabasta, a country rich in spices and cloth, one billion Berries would be nothing.But since a few years ago, the people within the kingdom had started a revolution.The reason was also due to Baroque Worksinstigating things behind the scenes.After years of civil war, how could Alabasta produce one billion Berries? Fortunately, they were a country that didn't have to pay the Heavenly Tribute; otherwise, they would also be targeted by the Celestial Dragons and the World Government. With all those buffs stacking against them, the country might as well be destroyed."But isn't the goal of Baroque Works to establish an 'Ideal Kingdom'?"Nami asked; this was what Igaram had just told her."Yes, although the boss implies to the employees that they are building an 'Ideal Kingdom'...""But the true purpose of B.W. (Baroque Works) is to'seize the political power of the AlabastaKingdom'.""If I don't hurry back and tell the people the true purpose of B.W., their riots will play right into B.W.'s hands."Vivi looked serious. Whether she could return to the Alabasta Kingdom was the kingdom's only chance for survival."I see. So because of the civil war, there's no money."Nami replied, her focus clearly still on the money.The scene fell into silence, and then Luffy flew right between them, crashing into a wall and kicking up a cloud of dust."What was that?!"Nami exclaimed. Could there be more people from Baroque Works?"It's Luffy."Satoru replied calmly."Oh, Luffy.""Wait! Why was Luffy sent flying?!""Zoro hit him.""Isn't that even more wrong?!"Nami shouted, just as Luffy finished digesting his food, changing from his 'Pseudo Gear Fourth' (stuffed) state back to his original form."Ah, after a good workout to digest the food, I can fight properly now."Luffy said, clutching his stomach, then looked up."Satoru, Nami, and that strange woman, and the Fish-cake-head old man, you're all here.""Never mind that, I'm going to send Zoro flying first!!"He had a Smiling Face for Satoru and the others, but it disappeared when he looked at Zoro.Zoro was speechless. Could you be any more dense?"Calm down, Luffy. I told you, everyone in this town is a bounty hunter. In other words, they're our enemies."Zoro explained, and Nami's gaze shifted to him.But then she heard Luffy shout, "I don't believe it! Would an enemy give us food?!"With that, he charged at Zoro, who laughed out of frustration."Then let's fight!!"Nami tried to look back at Luffy, but before she could, he rushed between them, the wind he kicked up leaving her dazed."What are you two doing?! Have you gone crazy?!"Nami shouted angrily. Why were they fighting for no reason?"Luffy thinks the people from Baroque Works are good people because they treated us to a meal.""And since Zoro cut them down, he has to send Zoroflying."Satoru explained once again. It had to be said, it perfectly matched Luffy's logic."This... then hurry up and find a way to stop them, Satoru!!"Nami said.Satoru looked up and smiled. "Okay."Then, in a flash, he was between Luffy and Zoro.One hand caught the edge of Zoro's blade, and the other caught Luffy's fist.On both hands, there was actually Armament Haki!!"Huh? Satoru, get out of the way! I have to send Zoro flying!""Get out of the way, Satoru! Let me knock some sense into this guy's head!""Hehe, you guys are fighting with such passion, I want to join in too.""Pay attention to what's on my hands. This is called Armament Haki."Satoru was using the Armament Haki he had copied from Lucky Roux, the cook of the Red Hair Pirates. Don't be fooled by his pudgy appearance; Lucky Roux was a master of Armament Haki. His fighting style involved covering his entire body in Armament Haki and crushing opponents like a Human War Ball.Thinking about facing Sir Crocodile, a Logia-typeuser, he realized that after the copying was complete, he could directly enter the basic level of Armament Haki. He wondered if he could teach Luffy and the others to learn Armament Haki during the time it took to reach Alabasta. Even a basic level would be enough as long as they could hit Crocodile.After saying that, Satoru punched both Zoro and Luffy in the chest, sending them both reeling back."That hurts!" x2"What kind of ability is this?" Zoro asked. That blow was several times heavier than Miss Monday's charged punch."It feels like Grandpa's fist, but much, much weaker!"Luffy recalled the feeling of being dominated by Garp when he was a child.Indeed, even now, Satoru felt a faint pain on the top of his head just thinking about it.Garp's Armament Haki had been trained to the point of forming an invisible armor that didn't appear black, yet could still pummel Logia-type users."If you want to know, I'll tell you after you defeat me!"Satoru replied arrogantly.This successfully drew all the aggro onto himself.From the left and right, Luffy and Zoro attacked Satoru simultaneously.Nami facepalmed. "I told you to stop them, not join them!!!"